‘Come through,’ she said. ‘I’ll show you to your rooms.’
It still felt odd to Bunty to be ‘shown’ into the house, like she didn’t know every nook and cranny of her childhood home. Felix took his mother’s suitcase and walked behind them. A touch of foreboding prickled him, hoping his mum, Perry and Bunty were all going to get along.
The last of the guests included Jasmine and Robin. Robin still had grave reservations about Jasmine being out at all, let alone at a busy party. But, as usual, Jasmine had insisted she was fine and wouldn’t be put off. Reluctantly, Robin had driven them slowly down the tidal road and helped an ever-expanding, panting Jasmine up the steps to the house.
As for Jack and Tara, well, that had been quite another ordeal. As expected, and on form, Richard had tried his best to ruin things. Tara anticipated some kind of disruption, especially as he’d seen the party invite. On cue, just as she was about to drop Calum off as arranged, Richard had rung to say he couldn’t have him. Something ‘urgent’ had cropped up and it just wasn’t convenient for Calum to stay that weekend. Tara didn’t even bother to ask what the so-called catastrophe was, knowing the answer would all be lies. Instead, she rolled her eyes and made a curt response, followed by a slam of the phone. Dully accepting she wouldn’t be able to make the party, she rang Jack to explain. However, Jack was having none of it.
‘Bring Calum then. I’m sure it’ll be fine,’ he’d replied, whilst trying to contain his anger. What an absolute prick this Richard sounded like.
‘You sure?’ asked Tara, secretly delighted at Jack’s suggestion.
‘Of course,’ he assured, not really caring if it was or not. Frankly, he couldn’t give a damn. There was no way Tara was missing out on this party. And no way was he showing up on his own either.
Calum had whooped with joy when Tara had told him to get his glad rags on.
So, here they were, all three of them, a tad late, but eager to join the party. Emma had made them welcome and dutifully made a fuss of Calum.
‘Come and meet Felix,’ she said with a grin, making Calum’s eyes widen in awe.
‘Really?’ he asked. Tara and Jack exchanged a knowing smile.
‘And Tara too, she’s a huge fan,’ teased Jack, making Tara blush.
‘Shush, Jack.’ She elbowed him, then quickly intervened as Calum picked up a glass of champagne from a passing tray. ‘No,Calum.’ She took the glass firmly from him with a shake of her head.
‘Come on, Calum, let’s find you something to drink,’ said Emma and led him away.
Tara sighed happily and took in her surroundings.
‘I can’t believe I’m here,’ she whispered, taking a sip of champagne.
Jack smiled fondly, loving her reaction. He was glad they’d brought Calum along to the party, it had proved to be a good icebreaker when being introduced to him. As first impressions go, Jack had surpassed himself. Calum had regarded him as ‘cool’, much to his satisfaction. It had also opened his eyes though, as to what he was going to have to deal with. A spiteful ex-husband. Clearly Richard played dirty and put his own selfish jealousy before any chance of Tara’s happiness. Hadn’t she been through enough?
Determined not to let Tara’s ex ruin their afternoon, Jack made sure her glass was always full and introduced her to Jasmine.
‘So pleased to meet you,’ she smiled and shook Tara’s hand.
‘All settled in then?’ asked Robin with a grin.
‘Yes, thanks. Calum loves the apartment,’ replied Tara, all the while clocking how tired his girlfriend looked. Should she really be here on her feet? They were interrupted by Felix’s voice.
‘If you’d like to make your way into the hall,Lady Scarlett Investigatesis about to start!’ he announced, causing a flurry of activity.
Everyone scuttled inside in search of a good seat. Emma had wisely reserved the first two rows for family and friends.
‘I’ll sit at the end of the row,’ said Jasmine.
‘Good idea, there’ll be more room,’ answered Robin.
Tara overheard and thought it sensible, suspecting Jasmine may need a hasty exit. Once all settled, a silent anticipation fellamongst the audience. Then the big screen lit up into life and the title ‘Lady Scarlett Investigates’ blazed across it, accompanied by the catchy, upbeat theme tune.
Emma closed her eyes and held her breath – there it was, her voice!
‘Lady Scarlett, super sleuth,
With her emerald eyes and raven hair,
She’ll figure it out,
